Types of Internet Connections

Technology is changing day by day and also internet connection speeds

Since last 2 decades we are using different types of internet connections, internet is a vital part of our lifestyle nowadays. Over the past years technology has been grown up consistently such as online gaming, online TV, streaming videos, flash, animations and much more. Also our need for internet speed also increased over the time.

We use internet for our home personal and business purposes. There are various types of internet connections as per our requirements are available and provided by internet service providers.

Types of internet connections are –

• Gateway Access (Level One Connection)
• Dial Up Connection (Level Two Connection)
• Leased Line Connection (Level Three Connection)
• DSL (Digital Subscriber line)
• Cable Modem Connection
• VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)

Gateway Access –

Gateway Access (or Level One Connection) is the access to the internet from a network, which is not on the internet. Two different types of network can talk to each other over Gateway access. Only disadvantage of the gateway access is, user will have limited internet access. User might not able to use all tools available on the internet. Internet service providers (ISP) can control internet speed limit.

Example – BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) uses BSNL Gateway to provides internet access to all users.

Dial Up Connection –

Dial up connection also known as Level Two Connection or Analog 56K.

Computer which provides internet access is called as “Host” and computer which receives access is called as “Terminal” or “Client”. 

Dial up connection is cheap but slow. When user dials a phone number from computer, can connect to internet via modem (internet or external).

Analog signal gets converted to digital signal via modem and sends to land line services by telephone networks. Telephone lines are varies in quality and connection can be poor.

Dial Up Connection includes 3 more categories –

Shell Connection –

This connection does not support Graphic Display. User will able to receive only textual matter of a web page. 

Shell Connection was in the market since before the internet started converting into world of graphics, sound and pictures.

TCP/ IP Connection –

TCP/IP Connection supports Graphics Display and Text both.                     

ISDN –

ISDN also known as an Integrated Services Digital Networks.      

Before the usage of DSL, the users like to have the ISDN connection. This is so because; there were not many options available for the broadband connection to the office and home. The Internet Services Digital Network is available as a symmetrical service that provides the speed of 64Kbps to 128Kbps. Due to its high budget and less speed, it hasn’t been much used.

Advantages of ISDN –

• Facilitate the user with multiple digital channels. These channels can operate parallel with copper wire pair.
• ISDN offers high data rates
• ISDN network lines can be used for devices such as faxes, computers, card readers etc.
• ISDN takes only 2 seconds to launch a connection.

Disadvantages of ISDN –

• ISDN lines are costly than typical telephone lines
• ISDN requires dedicated digital devices.

Leased Line Connection –

Leased Line Connection is also known as Level Three Connection or Direct Internet Access.

It is most secure, reliable and most expensive internet connection. Generally used for business and official purposes.

This connection uses High Speed Transmission Lines or Optic Fibres for transferring internet data.

Internet leased line is symmetrical in nature means upload and download speed is same.

DSL –

DSL (or Digital Subscriber Lines) is offers a Digital Data Transmission over the wires of local Internet Service Providers.

DSL is largely known as (ADSL) Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. DSL service delivered through the same telephone service lines. DSL uses higher frequency bands for data separation by filtering.

 Data bit rate of DSL services mostly ranges from 256 kb/s to 40 Mb/s.

In symmetrical DSL, both upload and download speed are equal. While ADSL provides lower upload speed.

Advantages of DSL -

• You can use phone connection and internet simultaneously.
• No additional Wiring
• Greater security than normal cable lines

Disadvantages of DSL - 

• DSL Effectiveness is depends on proximity. More the distance between DSL provider and user, slower the internet connection
• Because of dual usability of DSL, this can cause busy lines in offices, results you are force to use extra DSL line.
• DSL have slower upload speed.

Cable Modem Connection –

Cable Modem is a Bridge of Network and Modem that provides bi-directional data communication. This is used to deliver Broadband Internet Access to the user.

Cable is regarded as the fastest way of providing internet access. For carrying the signal, the consumers make use of HFC (Hybrid fiber-coaxial) networks.

Advantages of Cable Modem –

• A Cable modem is always connected to internet. Cable Modem have better internet connectivity than Dial Up Connection.
• Bandwidth can be exceeding up to 30 Mbps.
• Download can be faster but upload speed is slower.
• Cable internet can transfer data over long distances with low signal degradation.

Disadvantages of Cable Modem –

• Costly

VSAT –

VSAT is also known as Very Small Aperture Terminal, earthbound network station used in satellite communication of data, voice and video signals.

VSAT includes two parts; one is transceiver that placed outdoors in the direction of satellite and second transceiver placed to the end users devices such as PC.

Transceiver receives or sends data signals to a satellite transponder.

Advantages of VSAT –

• Costs is insensitive to distance
• Flexible
• Upgradable

Disadvantages of VSAT –

• Higher cost
• Regulations and restrictions of respective countries

Source - https://www.linkcue.com/blog/types-of-internet-connections/